Last week, Leica opened their first retail store in North America, at 977 F street NW. The store layout is beautiful and simple, and carries their full line of products. The store also features an exhibition space, currently showing a series of black and white photographs by Peter Turnley, a renowned photojournalist boasting a 3 decade career covering major newsworthy events across the globe. Leica strives for a different type of retail experience – where photographers at all levels are welcome to stop by and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful across the board. The opening event was posh and elegant, and even included swag bags at the end! Store manager Eric Oberg immediately proved Leica’s excellent customer service after offering yours truly an opportunity to check out Leica’s medium format digital camera – at a cool $22k, I felt quite honored! Oberg also mentioned that the store would be holding various lectures and workshops, so make sure to keep an eye out for future events! www.leica-store-dc.com